Project Guides: Drip Irrigation

Installing a Drip Irrigation System

Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient, easiest to design and install type of permanent irrigation system. Drip irrigation works by applying water slowly, directly to the soil and plants. Kits for drip irrigation are inexpensive and assembly is straightforward. You can install one in as little as one day's time, and few tools are required.

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Follow These Steps

Steps 1 - 4 of 4

Step One

Planning the Irrigation System

1.	Lay out a grid with hoses and emitters showing the plants you want to water and how far apart they are. Each plant will get an emitter - a tiny sprinkler for its own watering needs, and each will be attached to the water source with a network of drip irrigation lines, 1/4" and 1/8" plastic tubing that runs from the main hose to your plants.

2.	For continuous coverage, place emitters every 12-inches apart in sandy soil, 18-inches in loamy soil, and 24-inches in clay soil.

Step Two

Assembling the Hoses

1.	Install a backflow preventer valve to the outdoor faucet to keep groundwater from backing up into your drinking water.

2.	Attach a hose adaptor to fit the diameter of the system's main line.

3.	Connect the system's main line to the backflow preventer and run it to the garden.

Step Three

Install T’s for Branch Lines

1.	Place a T in the line for each branch line and secure with band clamps.

2.	Cut lengths of line long enough to extend through the garden to each T.

Step Four

Install Emitters and Feeder Lines

1.	Punch holes in the line for each emitter with emitter tool and place emitters in the desired location.

2.	If plants to be irrigated are more than 1 foot away from the line, cut an appropriate length of 1/8-inch emitter tubing and attach the feeder line to the emitter on the branch line, and then attach an emitter to the end of the feeder line.

3.	Plug the ends of the individual lines with caps and secure with band clamps.

4.	Flush the system every 4 to 6 months by removing the end caps and turning on the water, allowing it to run until the water flows clear.

Steps 1 - 4 of 4

	Tools
	Utility knife
	Tape measure
	Emitter tool

	Materials
	Garden hose
	Emitter lines
	Emitters
	Backflow valve
	Assorted connectors tees (T-shaped) and elbows (right angles)

	Not Available Online
	· Hose-thread adaptors